THE OFFICIAL 2024 “NOT-AT-ALL-WHAT-YOU-THOUGHT” GROUP TOUR PLANNER
GROUP TOUR PLANNER 2024
CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
PLAN YOUR GROUP’S NEXT ADVENTURE
explore nebraska like the pioneers did.
okay, maybe not exactly like the pioneers did.
Our ancestors got their first glimpses of Nebraska from the rock-hard seats of buckboards, buggies, and Conestoga wagons. They also probably perspired heavily or froze half to death. Thanks to the modern-day motorcoach, today’s travelers enjoy distinct advantages. Luxurious comfort, for example. And by bringing them to Nebraska, you enjoy advantages, too. With everything from frontier trails and unspoiled nature to small-town charm and the lights of the big city, Nebraska has adventures galore. Let us help you plan your next one. Go to visitnebraska.com/group_travel
WELCOME
GROUP TOUR PLANNERS FAR FROM BEING “FLAT AND BORING WITH NOTHING EXCITING TO DO,” Nebraska offers thousands of groupfriendly destinations, attractions, events and activities across its 77,000 square miles within the Great Plains Region in the central United States. In this planner, you will find a few examples to get your ideas flowing for new itineraries for your clients. As you look through this group tour planner and need more information or assistance, please contact the Group Tour Manager with the Nebraska Tourism Commission or visit our website: visitnebraska.com/group_travel Nebraska Tourism Group Tour Manager Micheal Collins (CTIS) micheal.collins@nebraska.gov SANDHILL CRANES
402-432-1384
Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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CONTENTS
HELPFUL RESOURCES
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6 GROUP TOUR ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES
3
Getting Here & Getting Around
8
Buffalo Bill’s Rails & Trails West
16
The World’s Breadbasket: An Agricultural Tour through Nebraska
4
Nebraska at a Glance Fun Facts
10
Buffalo, Bones and Books: Traveling the Fossil Freeway
18
Eastern Nebraska Encounters
5
Visitor Centers & Driving Distances
12
Buffett, Birds and Beef: The Great Platte River Road
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Cosmopolitan to Cowboys: Omaha to Kimball
2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
20 Spiritual Escapes 22 Nebraska’s Missouri River Valley and Capital City 24 Nebraska’s Six Degrees of Separation
GETTING HERE & GETTING AROUND
ROWE SANCTUARY
CHARTER COMPANIES
GROUP OPERATORS
Arrow Stagelines www.arrowstagelines.com
Corporate Office (Norfolk) 402-371-3850, 800-672-8302
Allied Tour & Travel www.alliedtt.com Norfolk 402-371-3840, 800-672-1009
Grand Island Office 308-382-3036 Lincoln Office 402-475-9229
Elite Tours www.elitetours.us Omaha 800-488-2114
Omaha Office 402-731-1900, 800-731-0727
Moostash Joe Tours www.mjtours.com Fremont 800-806-7944
Holiday Express Bus www.holidayexpressbus.com Grand Island 308-384-1800, 800-652-1950 Navigator Motorcoaches www.navigatorbus.com Norfolk 402-371-1202, 800-634-8696 Windstar Lines www.gowindstar.com Lincoln 402-467-2900
Travel Cat Tours www.travelcattours.com Omaha 531-777-2124 Travel with Barb www.travelwithbarb.com Omaha 402-614-9793
AIRPORTS Grand Island Central Nebraska Regional Airport www.flygrandisland.com Kearney Regional Airport www.flykearney.com Lincoln Airport www.lincolnairport.com North Platte Regional Airport www.northplatteairport.com Omaha Eppley Airfield www.flyoma.com
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Scottsbluff Western Nebraska Regional Airport www.flyscottsbluff.com
26 HUB & SPOKE TOURS 27 Nebraska’s Central Flyway: The Great Sandhill Crane Migration 28 Grand Island: South Central Adventures 30 Omaha: Nebraska’s City Centers 34 North Platte: Explore Southwest Nebraska
36 Kearney: Choose Your Adventure 38 Lincoln: The State Capital 40 Gering: Discover Northwest Nebraska 42 Norfolk: Experience Northeast Nebraska
Check us out online for more info /VisitNebraska
/VisitNebraska
@Visit_Nebraska
/NebraskaTourism
@NebraskaTourism
VisitNebraska.com
Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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FUN FACTS
Topography
Located in the Great Plains region of the United States, Nebraska is bordered by South Dakota on the north, Iowa and Missouri on the east, Kansas on the south, and Colorado and Wyoming on the west. Eastern Nebraska is covered with rugged bluffs, rolling hills and picturesque valleys. The Great Plains stretch westward across 75 percent of the state, featuring rock formations, eroded hills and deep canyons. The Sandhills, North America’s largest grass-stabilized sand dune formation, cover sections of western and central Nebraska and include the Nebraska National Forest, the world’s largest handplanted forest. The High Plains are to the west of the Sandhills. Within this 12,000-square-mile (31,080 sq. km) area, you’ll find the Wildcat Hills, the Pine Ridge and the North Platte River Valley. A small portion of South Dakota’s Badlands also extends into northwest Nebraska.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
Time Zones
Nebraska spans two time zones. The eastern two-thirds of the state is in the Central Time Zone and the western third is in the Mountain Time Zone. When traveling on Interstate 80, the time change occurs between the Sutherland and Paxton exits.
Population & Five Largest Cities
In 2023, Nebraska had a population of 1.96 million residents, making it the 37th largest state in the U.S. by population. Nebraska is predominantly a rural state, with the majority of its communities having populations less than 5,000. The state’s smallest incorporated town is Monowi (pop. 1) in north central Nebraska. The five largest cities by population are: Omaha (pop: 479, 655), Lincoln (pop: 295,222), Bellevue (pop: 62,624), Grand Island (pop: 51,138) and Kearney (pop: 34,414).
VISITOR CENTERS & DRIVING DISTANCES Nebraska Visitor Centers
CARHENGE
Alliance www.visitalliance.com
Lincoln www.lincoln.org
Beatrice www.visitbeatrice.com
McCook www.visitmccook.com
Brownville/Nemaha County www.enjoynemahacounty.org
Nebraska City www.nebraskacity.com
Chadron/Northwest Nebraska www.discovernwnebraska.com
Norfolk www.visitnorfolkne.com
Cass County www.visitcasscounty.com
North Platte www.visitnorthplatte.com
Columbus www.visitcolumbusne.com
Ogallala/Keith County www.explorekeithcounty.com
Fremont www.visitfremontne.org
Omaha www.visitomaha.com
Gering www.visitgering.com
Sarpy County www.gosarpy.com
Grand Island www.visitgrandisland.com
Scotts Bluff County www.visitscottsbluff.com
Hastings www.visithastingsnebraska.com
Seward www.sewardnebraskatourism.org
Kearney www.visitkearney.org
Sidney www.visitsidneyne.com
Kimball County www.visitkimball.com
South Sioux City www.visitsouthsiouxcity.com
Knox County www.knoxcountynebraska.com
York www.yorkvisitors.org
IN-STATE DRIVING DISTANCES AND TIMES Seasons
Nebraska offers a full fourseason climate. The normal average daily temperatures range from -20˚F (-7˚C) in the winter to more than 75˚F (24˚C) in the summer. Annual precipitation ranges from more than 30” (762 mm) in the southeast to less than 17” (432 mm) in western Nebraska.
Location
Nebraska’s central location positions it within a 3- to 8-hour drive from surrounding major cities, including Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and St. Louis.
Omaha to:
Miles
Drive Time
Scottsbluff to:
Miles
Drive Time
Alliance Beatrice Chadron Columbus Grand Island Hastings Kearney Lincoln McCook Nebraska City Norfolk North Platte Scottsbluff Ogallala South Sioux City Valentine
423 100 436 87 153 161 186 57 289 51 113 280 475 330 96 298
6:40 1:45 7:30 1:40 2:20 2:30 2:45 1:00 4:20 1:00 2:10 4:00 7:00 4:40 1:30 5:15
Alliance Beatrice Chadron Columbus Grand Island Hastings Kearney Lincoln McCook Nebraska City Norfolk North Platte Ogallala Omaha South Sioux City Valentine
54 455 106 402 338 346 292 421 262 467 418 195 145 475 455 221
1:00 7:00 1:45 6:15 5:00 5:15 4:00 6:00 4:00 7:00 6:50 3:00 2:20 7:00 7:45 3:45
Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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GROUP TOUR
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES NEBRASKA MIGHT NOT BE THE FIRST DESTINATION THAT COMES TO MIND, BUT WE CAN ASSURE YOU THAT IF YOUR GROUP TRAVELS HERE, YOU’VE GOT A PRETTY SPECIAL TRIP AHEAD OF YOU.
Our state has some amazing group tour destinations, and in this guide, you’ll find a sampling of some of our favorite attractions and highlights. We’ve put together nine itineraries spanning the state, from the cosmopolitan buzz of Omaha and Lincoln and the rolling hills of eastern Nebraska to the great sandhill crane migration in central Nebraska and the Old West and early pioneer history of the state’s western corners. Each itinerary is designed to show you a different part of the state and give your clients memories they’ll cherish for years to come.
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
BREWERS CANOERS & TUBERS
Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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BUFFALO BILL’S RAILS & TRAILS WEST TO EXPERIENCE WESTERN NEBRASKA IS TO EXPERIENCE THE OLD WEST. This is a land filled with history and culture, from the Native American tribes who first settled this wild region to fur traders and trappers looking for fortune to early pioneers searching for a better way of life out west to farmers and ranchers who carved out an existence in this wild and rough landscape. Hear their exciting stories and tales as you explore and experience western Nebraska.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: BUFFALO BILL’S RAILS & TRAILS WEST
WILDCAT HILLS NATURE AREA
DAY 1: NORTH PLATTE Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center Grain Bin Antique Town Fort Cody Trading Post Cody Park Railroad Museum Dusty Trails “Ride with the Wild Bunch”
DAY 2: NORTH PLATTE, OGALLALA, SIDNEY Double Dips Ice Creamery Mansion on the Hill Petrified Wood Gallery Front Street and Cowboy Museum Sidney Post Commander’s Home Camp Lookout
FORT ROBINSON STATE PARK
Sidney’s Boot Hill Cemetery Lazy S Ranch
DAY 3: POTTER, KIMBALL Dude’s Steakhouse Potter Art Loft
DAY 4: GERING, BAYARD Scotts Bluff National Monument Wildcat Hills Nature Center Chimney Rock National Historic Site Legacy of the Plains
A Collective Gathering Duckpin Bowling Alley Potter Sundry EJE Ranch
DAY 5: HARRISON, CRAWFORD
Rocky Hollow Buffalo Company
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Steel Grill
Fort Robinson State Park
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Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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BUFFALO, BONES AND BOOKS:
TRAVELING THE FOSSIL FREEWAY TAKE THE FOSSIL FREEWAY FOR A SCENIC DRIVE BETWEEN COLORADO’S FRONT RANGE to South Dakota’s Black Hills through western Nebraska. While exploring this highway corridor connecting the region’s rich fossil history, hand-feed bison, explore a natural shortgrass prairie setting and take in stunning views of the Oregon Trail and North Platte River Valley. This route also takes visitors to the remote, windswept High Plains region and Oglala National Grasslands of northwest Nebraska. Become immersed in one of the world’s most significant Miocene Epoch mammal fossil sites and gain a greater understanding of the area’s Native American roots. You’ll hear the many stories and tales of early pioneer and settler life in this tough landscape.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
SCOTTS BLUFF NATIONAL MONUMENT
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: BUFFALO, BONES AND BOOKS
HUDSON-MENG EDUCATION & RESEARCH CENTER
DAY 1: KIMBALL COUNTY EJE Ranch Rocky Hollow Buffalo Company Steel Grill
DAY 2: GERING, BAYARD Scotts Bluff National Monument Wildcat Hills Nature Center Chimney Rock National Historic Site Legacy of the Plains
DAY 3: HARRISON, CRAWFORD, CHADRON Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Fort Robinson State Park Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center Museum of the Fur Trade Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center
MARI SANDOZ HIGH PLAINS HERITAGE CENTER
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Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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BUFFETT, BIRDS AND BEEF:
THE GREAT PLATTE RIVER ROAD START THE TOUR IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA’S LARGEST CITY AND HOME OF BUSINESS magnate, investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett, the “Oracle of Omaha.” Stop by Buffett’s favorite stomping grounds and hangouts. After sightseeing, get ready for birding in Lincoln, followed by the Central Flyway. During the annual spring migration, you will meet face-toface with roughly one million sandhill cranes that roost in this part of the Platte River. Guided sunset and sunrise tours give visitors different perspectives of these majestic birds, also known as living dinosaurs. For a taste of agritourism, venture to North Platte to learn where Nebraska’s beef comes from and how it’s processed, followed by a feast of five delicious cuts to sample yourself.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
DUSTY TRAILS
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: BUFFETT, BIRDS AND BEEF
DAY 1: OMAHA, BELLEVUE Warren Buffett Driving Tour Fontenelle Forest eCreamery Gorat’s Steakhouse
DAY 2: OMAHA, LINCOLN Lithuanian Bakery & Café Nebraska Furniture Mart The Rose Theatre Omaha Community Playhouse The Green Gateau
DAY 3: LINCOLN, GRAND ISLAND
THE ARCHWAY
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center Historic Haymarket District Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill
DAY 5:
1937 Art-Deco Grand Theatre
KEARNEY, NORTH PLATTE
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center
Rowe Sanctuary The Archway
DAY 4: GRAND ISLAND, HOLDREGE
Lincoln County Historical Museum Buffalo Bill State Historical Park “Here’s the Beef”Tour
The Chocolate Bar Studio K Art Gallery Raising Nebraska
DAY 6:
Stuhr Museum
NORTH PLATTE
Phelps County Feeders
Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center
Nebraska Star Beef
Fort Cody Trading Post
The Speakeasy
Dusty Trails
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Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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COSMOPOLITAN TO COWBOYS: OMAHA TO KIMBALL
THIS ITINERARY FOLLOWS THE PATH OF THE GREAT AMERICAN WEST along one of the nation’s busiest migration and transportation routes, the Great Platte River Road. Today, Interstate 80 follows this route, taking travelers through diverse landscapes and terrains. The cosmopolitan urban centers of Omaha and Lincoln in eastern Nebraska, the fertile farmlands and migratory birding paths of central Nebraska and the Central Flyway and the wide-open and sprawling vistas of western Nebraska make up this exciting land of contrasts.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
FORT CODY TRADING POST
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: COSMOPOLITAN TO COWBOYS
DURHAM MUSEUM
DAY 1:
DAY 4:
OMAHA
GRAND ISLAND, KEARNEY
Omaha Guided City Tour
Zabuni Coffee
Durham Museum
Raising Nebraska
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Stuhr Museum
Lithuanian Bakery & Café
The Archway
Father Flanagan’s Boys Town
Classic Car Collection
German American Society
Alley Rose
DAY 2:
DAY 5:
ASHLAND, GREENWOOD, LINCOLN
NORTH PLATTE
Strategic Air Command
Double Dips Ice Creamery
and Aerospace Museum
Baker’s Candies Nebraska State Capitol Larsen Tractor Test Museum UNL Dairy Store International Quilt Study Center & Museum Screamers Dining & Cabaret
DAY 3: LINCOLN, YORK, HENDERSON Museum of American Speed
Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center Cody Park Railroad Museum Grain Bin Antique Town Fort Cody Trading Post “Ride with the Wild Bunch”
STUHR MUSEUM
“Wine with the Stars” Tour
DAY 6: OGALLALA, PAXTON Lake McConaughy Visitor
& Water Interpretive Center
Clayton Museum of Ancient History
Mansion on the Hill
Chances “R” Restaurant and Lounge
Petrified Wood Gallery
Wessels Living History Farm
Front Street and Cowboy Museum
Mennonite Heritage Park
Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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THE WORLD’S BREADBASKET:
AN AGRICULTURAL TOUR THROUGH NEBRASKA EVEN THOUGH NEBRASKA BOASTS TWO MAJOR URBAN METROPOLITAN AREAS, it remains a true agricultural and rural state. Center-pivot irrigation was invented in Nebraska, and this unique type of irrigation system provides the much-needed moisture to hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland that make Nebraska the “Breadbasket to the World.” Nebraska’s agricultural roots run deep, and on this itinerary, we’ll cross the state from Omaha to Kimball, visiting many of its agricultural businesses, attractions and farm-to-table restaurants.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
MORMON TRAIL CENTER AT WINTER QUARTERS
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: THE WORLD’S BREADBASKET
NEBRASKA STATE CAPITOL
DAY 1: OMAHA
INTERNATIONAL QUILT STUDY CENTER & MUSEUM
Florence Mill Mormon Trail Center Durham Museum Father Flanagan’s Boys Town German American Society
DAY 2: NEBRASKA CITY, NEHAWKA
DAY 5:
Kregel Windmill Factory Museum
HOLDREGE
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
Phelps County Feeders
Arbor Day Farm
Nebraska Star Beef
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
Catrina’s Mexican Cuisine
Slattery Vintage Estates
Nebraska Prairie Museum
Petrified Wood Gallery
The Speakeasy
Front Street and Cowboy Museum
DAY 3:
DAY 8: OGALLALA, GERING
Scotts Bluff National Monument
LINCOLN
DAY 6:
Legacy of the Plains Museum
International Quilt Study Center & Museum
KEARNEY, NORTH PLATTE
Larsen Tractor Test Museum
The Archway
DAY 9:
Nebraska State Capitol
Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center
Valhalla Bee Farm
Dusty Trails
Rocky Hollow Buffalo Company
Polinator Flyway Walking Tour
“Here’s the Beef” Tour
EJE Ranch
KIMBALL
Sleepy Bee Lavender Farm
DAY 4: YORK, GRAND ISLAND, HASTINGS
DAY 7: NORTH PLATTE Double Dips Ice Creamery
Wessels Living History Farm
Grain Bin Antique Town
Mennonite Heritage Park
Miller Farms
Stuhr Museum
Fort Cody Trading Post
Raising Nebraska
“Ride with the Wild Bunch”
Prairie Loft Center
“Wine with the Stars” Tour
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Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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EASTERN NEBRASKA
ENCOUNTERS JUST WEST OF THE MIGHTY MISSOURI RIVER, EASTERN NEBRASKA IS CHOCK-FULL OF exciting group-friendly destinations to delight any adventurer. From the cosmopolitan buzz of Omaha and Lincoln to the wide-open spaces of northeast and southeast Nebraska, this journey will show visitors why this region of Nebraska is truly an untapped destination for any size or type of group.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
NEBRASKA STATE CAPITOL
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: EASTERN NEBRASKA ENCOUNTERS
ARBOR DAY FARM
DAY 1: OMAHA St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Durham Museum Father Flanagan’s Boys Town German American Society
DAY 2: OMAHA, TEKAMAH, STANTON, NORFOLK Hot Shops Art Center Joslyn Castle Master’s Hand Candles Red Road Herbs Elkhorn Valley Museum Johnny Carson’s Boyhood Home Black Cow Fat Pig
DAY 3: CRESTON, COLUMBUS, GENOA, YORK Larson Dairy Farm Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial Genoa Indian School Wessels Living History Farm Chances “R” Restaurant and Lounge
DAY 4: LINCOLN Robber’s Cave Nebraska State Capitol Larsen Tractor Test Museum International Quilt Study Center & Museum Museum of American Speed Screamers Dining & Cabaret
DAY 5: BEATRICE, NEBRASKA CITY Homestead National Historical Park Arbor Day Farm
HOT SHOPS ART CENTER
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
DAY 6: ASHLAND, BELLEVUE, PAPILLION Strategic Air Command and
Aerospace Museum
Czech and Slovak Educational
Centre and Cultural Museum
Polish Heritage Society of Nebraska
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Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM
SPIRITUAL
ESCAPES NEBRASKA HAS A LONG HISTORY OF RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL DEVOTION among its residents, always welcoming different belief systems and rituals. This itinerary takes us on an educational journey meant to inspire and encourage reflection and peace. Explore the tenets and guiding principles found in many of today’s religions. Visitors can view impressive stained-glass collections, follow along the Stations of the Cross, go behind the scenes to view centuriesold quilts, try Greek dancing or place prayers in a replica of Jerusalem’s Western Wall. To round out the escape, a relaxing airboat ride down the Platte River will remind visitors that we are all one with nature.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: SPIRITUAL ESCAPES
RIVER LIFE AIRBOAT TOURS
DAY 1: OMAHA Lithuanian Bakery & Café Joslyn Castle St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church St. Cecilia’s Cathedral Brother Sebastian’s Steak House & Winery Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Sweat Lodge &
Traditional Healing
DAY 2: OMAHA Bagel Bin
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
DAY 4: LINCOLN, HENDERSON, YORK
Riekes Museum
The Mill Coffee & Tea
Hindu Temple
Union College Seventh Day Adventist Church
Father Flanagan’s Boys Town
Art Glass Creative Studio
Tri-Faith Initiative
Vibrational Sound Association
German American Society
Clayton Museum of Ancient History Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park
DAY 3:
Wessels Living History Farm
BELLEVUE, GRETNA, ASHLAND, GREENWOOD, LINCOLN
DAY 5:
Offutt Air Force Base Holy Family Shrine Cloisters on the Platte
LINCOLN, SEWARD, SCHUYLER, FREMONT Linh Quang Buddhist Center Saint Gregory the Great Seminary
Carol Joy Holling Retreat
Café on the Square
Bakers Candies
Saint Benedict Center
& Conference Center
International Quilt Study Center & Museum
The Center for Liturgical Art River Life Airboat Tours
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Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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NEBRASKA’S
MISSOURI RIVER VALLEY AND CAPITAL CITY FORMING NEBRASKA’S EASTERN BORDER, THE MISSOURI RIVER IS ONE OF THE nation’s great rivers and has helped shape and grow the Great Plains region over the years. This itinerary follows alongside the mighty Missouri River through Brownville to Nebraska City, Omaha and the Winnebago Nation before finishing near the Siouxland region of South Sioux City. Enjoy delicious homemade fare, unique cultural immersions, top-notch entertainment, an insightful look into our nation’s national security and examples of responsible environmental stewardship.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
INTERNATIONAL QUILT STUDY CENTER & MUSEUM
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: NEBRASKA’S MISSOURI RIVER VALLEY AND CAPITAL CITY
THE LYCEUM
DAY 1: BROWNVILLE Historic Downtown Brownville The Lyceum Flatwater Folk Art Museum Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery Spirit of Brownville
DAY 2: NEBRASKA CITY, PAPILLION Arbor Lodge State Historical Park Arbor Day Farm Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard Missouri River Basin Lewis &
Clark Visitor Center
Polish Heritage Society of Nebraska
DAY 3: BELLEVUE, OMAHA Czech and Slovak Educational
JOSLYN CASTLE CASEYGUISE
DAY 4: OMAHA, ASHLAND, GREENWOOD, LINCOLN Father Flanagan’s Boys Town Strategic Air Command
and Aerospace Museum
Baker’s Candies Nebraska State Capitol International Quilt Study Center & Museum Screamers Dining & Cabaret
DAY 5:
Fontenelle Forest
OMAHA, TEKAMAH, WINNEBAGO NATION, SOUTH SIOUX CITY
St. John Greek Orthodox Church
Joslyn Castle
Hot Shops Art Center
Master’s Hand Candle Company & Gift Shop
Durham Museum
Angel DeCora Museum & Research Center
German American Society
Siouxland Freedom Park
Centre and Cultural Museum
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Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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NEBRASKA’S
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION THEY SAY WE’RE ONLY SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER BY SIX HANDSHAKES. See how connected you may be to some of our state’s most famous locals, both past and present. On this trail, you will discover how the actions of great Nebraska business leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, politicians, filmmakers, entertainers and visionaries helped to guide and shape the state. Explore Warren Buffett’s stomping grounds, learn how celebrity Johnny Carson was shaped by his Nebraskan upbringing, walk in the footsteps of Husker Football legend Tom Osborne at UNL Memorial Stadium and tour the home of Arbor Day founder and Nebraska visionary J. Sterling Morton.
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND & AEROSPACE MUSEUM
ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES: NEBRASKA’S SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
JOHNNY CARSON MURAL
DAY 1: OMAHA Warren Buffett Driving Tour Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering Omaha Community Playhouse Father Flanagan’s Boys Town Gorat’s Steakhouse
DAY 2: NEBRASKA CITY, BURCHARD Arbor Lodge State Historical Park Arbor Day Farm Missouri River Basin Lewis
& Clark Visitor Center
Harold Lloyd Home
DAY 3:
ARBOR DAY FARM
ASHLAND, ELMWOOD, LINCOLN
DAY 4:
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
NORFOLK, BANCROFT
Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum
Elkhorn Valley Museum & Research Center
Nebraska State Capitol
Johnny Carson Mural
Nebraska Governor’s Mansion
Black Cow Fat Pig
Nebraska Huskers Memorial Stadium
Johnny Carson’s Boyhood Home
Billy’s Restaurant
John G. Neihardt State Historic Site
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Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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HUB & SPOKE
TOURS
Drop your bags and belongings off at the hotel and go explore everything Nebraska has to offer. The following eight itineraries feature short, drivable day trips to surrounding attractions — perfect for tour groups that prefer to remain in one overnight location. Most of these itineraries are three to four days, but can be combined to create remarkable tours filled with a variety of unique Nebraska destinations, from history museums and nature centers to pioneer sites and must-try local eateries.
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itineraries!
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
HUB & SPOKE TOURS: NEBRASKA’S CENTRAL FLYWAY
NEBRASKA’S CENTRAL FLYWAY:
THE GREAT SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION
SPEND TIME EXPLORING NEBRASKA’S CENTRAL FLYWAY, home to the great sandhill crane migration. Here you’ll discover cultural and heritage museums, wild west experiences and unrivaled birding opportunities.
DAY 1:
DAY 3:
KEARNEY
GRAND ISLAND, HASTINGS
The Archway
Zabuni Coffee
Classic Car Collection
Raising Nebraska
Alley Rose
Stuhr Museum
Rowe Sanctuary
Hastings Museum
(evening crane viewing)
DAY 2: NORTH PLATTE Golden Spike Tower
& Visitor Center
The Cedar Room
Odyssey Downtown
DAY 4: ALDA Crane Trust Nature
& Visitor Center (morning crane viewing)
Dusty Trails
(afternoon crane viewing)
“Ride with the Wild Bunch”
SANDHILL CRANES
Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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HUB & SPOKE TOURS: GRAND ISLAND
GRAND ISLAND: NEBRASKA’S CENTRAL FLYWAY:
SOUTH CENTRAL ADVENTURES THE GREAT SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION SOUTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA IS CHOCK-FULL SPEND TIME EXPLORING NEBRASKA’S OF HISTORY! Day-trip yourtoway Grand CENTRAL FLYWAY, home the around great sandhill Island and its surrounding to see a living crane migration. Here you’llcities discover cultural history farm, museums, Native American artifacts and a and heritage wild west experiences collection of unique and unrivaled birdingmuseums. opportunities.
DAY 1:
DAY 3:
GRAND ISLAND
AURORA, YORK, HENDERSON
Zabuni Coffee Raising Nebraska Stuhr Museum Crane Trust Nature
& Visitor Center
Edgerton Explorit Center Plainsman Museum Chances “R”
Restaurant and Lounge
Clayton Museum of
Ancient History
DAY 2: KEARNEY, HASTINGS Sweetwater Hemp Company Classic Car Collection
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
DAY 4: HOLDREGE
The Archway
Phelps County Feeders
Bigfoot Crossroads of
Nebraska Star Beef
Hastings Museum
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
Henderson Mennonite Village
Museum of Nebraska Art
America Museum
THE ARCHWAY
Wessels Living History Farm
Nebraska Prairie Museum Funk Peterson Wildlife Trail Lost Way Brewery The Speakeasy
DAY 5: BURWELL Calamus Outfitters Sandhills Ranch Habitat Ecotour
HUB & SPOKE TOURS: OMAHA
OMAHA:
NEBRASKA’S CITY CENTERS NEBRASKA’S LARGEST CITY is home to all sorts of can’t-miss experiences. As you explore Omaha and the surrounding area, you’ll discover the rich heritage and culture of the region.
DAY 1: OMAHA Omaha Guided City Tour St. John the Baptist Greek
Orthodox Church
Joslyn Castle Father Flanagan’s Boys Town German American Society
DAY 2: OMAHA, BELLEVUE, PAPILLION Hot Shops Art Center Durham Museum Old Market Fontenelle Forest JOSLYN CASTLE
Czech and Slovak Educational
Centre and Cultural Museum
Polish Heritage
Society of Nebraska
DAY 3: NEBRASKA CITY, NEHAWKA Arbor Lodge State
Historical Park
Arbor Day Farm Lied Lodge & Conference Center Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard Missouri River Basin
Lewis & Clark Visitor Center
Kregel Windmill Factory Museum Slattery Vintage Estates
DAY 4: ASHLAND, GREENWOOD, LINCOLN, SOUTH BEND Strategic Air Command
and Aerospace Museum
Baker’s Candies Historic Haymarket District Nebraska State Capitol Larsen Tractor Test Museum
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
UNL Dairy Store International Quilt
Study Center & Museum
Round the Bend Steakhouse
ROLL INTO OMAHA AND BE PREPARED FOR NEW MEMORIES TO COME AT YOU...
GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIETY
OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS
BOYS TOWN
THE DURHAM MUSEUM
LAURITZEN GARDENS
BIG MAMA’S KITCHEN
OUT OF THE PARK where crowds jubilant and loud watch victorsJOSLYN be crowned. CASTLE
OUT OF THE WILD where you find your inner child at worldGREEK famousORTHODOX zoo. ST.our JOHN’S CHURCH
OUT OF THE MEANINGFUL PLACES where history was born and diversityHOT grew.SHOPS ART CENTER
EXPLORE THE WORLD’S BEST ZOO, EXPERIENCE HISTORY, TASTE FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE, WALK IN A BILLIONAIRE’S FOOTSTEPS, AND FEEL THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WHILE STROLLING UNDER MILLIONS OF TWINKLING LIGHTS. Contact: Jessica Settje · jsettje@visitomaha.com · 402-444-1760 · visitomaha.com/meetings/group-tour-planners/
DISCOVER
the Village of Boys Town! A True American Treasure
T
here’s a square mile in Nebraska where miracles of the heart happen every day. It’s a community of caring where kids are saved, families are healed and despair and darkness are conquered by the promise of a brighter future.
YOUR GROUP TOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
» »
Step-on Certified Guides Low Group Pricing with Comps Provided
At the Village of Boys Town, we welcome more than 100,000 visitors from across the United States every year. Be our guest and experience Father Flanagan’s vision for changing the way America cares for children, families and communities at world-famous Boys Town today!
» » »
No Reservation Fees
Whether Omaha is your travel destination or a just a stopover, be sure to make the Village of Boys Town part of your itinerary!
»
Optional On-site Dining
Historic Father Flanagan House
World's Largest Ball of Stamps
Hall of History Museum
Dowd Chapel
We’re closer than you think! Chicago: 479 miles Minneapolis: 392 miles Denver: 532 miles Kansas City: 196 miles
Customized Itineraries Gift Shop with Unique Gifts and Souvenirs
For help with planning a tour, call 800-625-1400. Or visit us at boystown.org/tours for more information. #boystownvillage |
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner 2201-064-02L
HUB & SPOKE TOURS: NORTH PLATTE
NORTH PLATTE:
EXPLORE SOUTHWEST NEBRASKA HEAD TO NORTH PLATTE and trek the state’s Southwest region for cowboy reenactments, pioneer and railroad history tours and sips from local vineyards and breweries.
DAY 1:
DAY 3:
NORTH PLATTE
HOLDREGE
Golden Spike Tower
Phelps County Feeders
& Visitor Center
Cody Park Railroad Museum Pals Brewing Company Grain Bin Antique Town Fort Cody Trading Post “Here’s the Beef” Tour “Wine with the Stars” Tour
DAY 2: OGALLALA, PAXTON Double Dips Ice Creamery Lake McConaughy Visitor &
Water Interpretive Center
Front Street and
Cowboy Museum
NEBRASKA PRAIRIE MUSEUM
Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
Catrina’s Mexican Cuisine Nebraska Prairie Museum Funk Peterson Wildlife Trail Lost Way Brewery The Speakeasy
DAY 4: KEARNEY, NORTH PLATTE Sweetwater Hemp Company Classic Car Collection Museum of Nebraska Art The Archway “Ride with the Wild Bunch”
Petrified Wood Gallery Mansion on the Hill
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
Nebraska Star Beef
DAY 5: NORTH PLATTE Dusty Trails The Cedar Room
HUB & SPOKE TOURS: KEARNEY
KEARNEY:
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE THIS REGION HAS A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. With Kearney as your base, take advantage of the wide-ranging attractions of South Central Nebraska, from museums on the pioneers to the search for Bigfoot.
DAY 1:
DAY 4:
HOLDREGE
HASTINGS, RED CLOUD
Phelps County Feeders
Bigfoot Crossroads of
Nebraska Star Beef Catrina’s Mexican Cuisine Nebraska Prairie Museum Funk Peterson Wildlife Trail Lost Way Brewery The Speakeasy
DAY 2: KEARNEY Sweetwater Hemp Company Classic Car Collection The Archway Museum of Nebraska Art NATIONAL WILLA CATHER CENTER
DAY 3: GRAND ISLAND Zabuni Coffee
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
Raising Nebraska Stuhr Museum Crane Trust Nature &
Visitor Center
America Museum
Hastings Museum Prairie Loft Center Willa Cather Foundation Tours National Willa Cather Center Red Cloud Opera House
DAY 5: NORTH PLATTE Golden Spike Tower
& Visitor Center
Cody Park Railroad Museum “Ride with the Wild Bunch” Double Dips Ice Creamery Fort Cody Trading Post
HUB & SPOKE TOURS: LINCOLN
LINCOLN:
THE STATE CAPITAL CAPITOL BUILDING TOURS, riverboat cruises and eclectic museum experiences — this tour of Southeast Nebraska centered around Lincoln is jam-packed with exciting attractions your group will love.
DAY 1:
DAY 3:
LINCOLN
BEATRICE, BROWNVILLE, NEBRASKA CITY
Nebraska State Capitol Larsen Tractor Test Museum UNL Dairy Store International Quilt
Study Center & Museum
Screamer’s Dining & Cabaret
Homestead National
Historical Park
Flatwater Folk Art Museum Spirit of Brownville Whiskey Run Creek
Winery & Distillery
DAY 2:
Arbor Lodge State
LINCOLN, SEWARD, YORK COUNTY
Arbor Day Farm
Museum of American Speed Junto Wine Nebraska National
Clayton Museum of
Baker’s Candies
Ancient History
Chances “R”
Restaurant and Lounge
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
DAY 4:
Mennonite Heritage Park
Wessels Living History Farm
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
Lied Lodge & Conference Center
GREENWOOD, ASHLAND, BELLEVUE, PAPILLION
Guard Museum
ARBOR DAY FARM
Historical Park
Strategic Air Command
and Aerospace Museum
Fontenelle Forest Czech and Slovak Educational
Centre and Cultural Museum
Polish Heritage
Society of Nebraska
HUB & SPOKE TOURS: GERING
GERING:
DISCOVER NORTHWEST NEBRASKA HEAD WEST FOR NATURE ESCAPES, ranch experiences and jaw-dropping natural attractions. Based in Gering, this trip will show your group the legacy of the pioneers and the state’s early settlers.
DAY 1:
DAY 3:
GERING, ALLIANCE
GERING, KIMBALL
Carhenge Knight Museum and
Sandhills Center
Lunch in Alliance Dobby’s Frontier Town Legacy of the Plains Museum
DAY 2: HARRISON, CRAWFORD CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Agate Fossil Beds
National Monument
Fort Robinson State Park
Scotts Bluff National Monument Wildcat Hills Nature Center Rocky Hollow Buffalo Company EJE Ranch Steel Grill
DAY 4: GERING, BAYARD, POTTER, SIDNEY Chimney Rock National
Historic Site
Potter’s Historic
Duckpin Bowling Alley
Potter Sundry Chuckaboo Station Fort Sidney Museum and
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
Post Commander’s Home
Camp Lookout Sidney’s Boot Hill Cemetery Dude’s Steakhouse
HUB & SPOKE TOURS: NORFOLK
NORFOLK:
EXPERIENCE NORTHEAST NEBRASKA THIS NORTHEASTERN ITINERARY leads you to Norfolk, where you’ll venture to Johnny Carson’s old stomping grounds, along with Native American heritage sites, arts and nature centers and more.
DAY 1:
DAY 4:
NORFOLK Elkhorn Valley Museum
NIOBRARA, PONCA NATION, SANTEE SIOUX NATION
Johnny Carson Mural
Ohiya Casino and Resort
Johnny Carson’s Boyhood Home
Santee Sioux Nation
Black Cow Fat Pig
Chief Standing Bear Bridge
Norfolk Arts Center
DAY 2: STANTON, CRESTON, COLUMBUS, MONROE, GENOA Red Road Herbs Larson Dairy Farm Horn T Zoo Genoa Indian School Dusters and Gottberg Brew Pub CHIEF STANDING BEAR BRIDGE
DAY 3: CROFTON, HARTINGTON, FORDYCE, NIOBRARA
SNAP THIS CODE FOR the full trip itinerary!
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
Lewis and Clark Pulley Museum Nissen Winery WJ Ranch
(scenic view/photo op)
Northern Ponca
Tribe of Nebraska
Miller Farm
DAY 5: NIOBRARA, VERDIGRE, ROYAL Niobrara State Park Kolach Capital of
the World: Verdigre
Ashfall Fossil Beds
State Historical Park
Find out more at VisitNebraska.com
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PLATTE RIVER
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2024 Nebraska Group Tour Planner
Don’t “reinvent the wheel.” LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT EXCITING AND FUN-FILLED NEBRASKA GROUP TOUR ITINERARY!
Nebraska Tourism Group Tour Manager Micheal Collins (CTIS) micheal.collins@nebraska.gov 402-432-1384
NATIONAL GROUP AFFILIATIONS
T R AV E L A L L I A N C E PA R T N E R S ®